More Than Just A Beautiful Smile
There are countless benefits to orthodontic treatment and a beautiful smile. While you’ve probably thought about how much your self-confidence can improve, you may not realize how big of a benefit improved jaw function can be.
Orthognathic Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities associated with facial bones, specifically your jaws and teeth.
These abnormalities can interfere with your ability to talk, sleep, and enjoy your everyday activities. They can cause sleep apnea, snoring and TMJ pain.
Orthognathic Surgery corrects these concerns will improve the overall appearance of your facial profile when paired with orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Parikh will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as a team to ensure that if you need surgical orthodontics, you receive the best care possible.
Knowing that we have a seamless team already in place to handle even the most complex cases should make you confident in the quality of your results.
How Do I Know If I Need Jaw Surgery?
If your jaws don’t line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone.
Orthognathic surgery, along with braces, will help properly align your jaw and teeth into their proper position.
Dr. Parikh can tell you if jaw surgery is a necessary option for your treatment plan. Every case is different, and the only way to determine the best course of action.
How Does Jaw Surgery Work?
First, we’ll make sure your teeth are in the proper places in your mouth. Then, we’ll perform your surgery in a hospital. Your braces will stay in place during your surgery.
After the surgery, you’ll have a rest period. Plan on taking some time off of work or school, and eat only soft foods.
About 6 weeks after your surgery, Dr. Parikh will begin to “fine-tune” your bite like a normal orthodontic case, and most braces are removed within six to twelve months after surgery.
After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.
Risk and Reward
As with any major medical surgery, there are certain risks associated with orthognathic surgery. However, the process is not new, and it’s been performed for many years in practices and hospitals.
If you’re concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact our practice and let us know.
For many patients, the most important reward of having jaw surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Whether you need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite or jaw abnormality, jaw surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.